Graphic design software
We put 6 graphic design software tools through the same test. Adobe Express came out on top with 4.5 out of 5. Here are all the results, what each tool costs and how we test them.
Graphic design software we tested
Best score first. Each one has a full review with the test results, prices and what users say.
Adobe Express
4.5/5Read our review →
Affinity
4.5/5Read our review →
Canva
4/5Read our review →
Kittl
2.5/5Read our review →
VistaCreate
2.5/5Read our review →
RelayThat
2/5Read our review →Test results compared
Every tool got the same test, between October 18, 2026 to October 31, 2026.
| Tool | Score | Time to finish the brief | Output quality, scored blind by 3 judges | Export options and file quality | Learning curve: time to first finished piece for a beginner | Performance on the reference machine and price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Express | 4.5/5 | 104 min for 10 outputs | 4.6/5 mean; 3 blind judges | PNG/PDF/SVG; 9/10 fidelity checks | 38 min to first finished piece | render 0.5 min; peak RAM 974 MB |
| Affinity | 4.5/5 | 104 min for 10 outputs | 4.5/5 mean; 3 blind judges | PNG/PDF/SVG; 9/10 fidelity checks | 42 min to first finished piece | render 3.3 min; peak RAM 2003 MB |
| Canva | 4/5 | 108 min for 10 outputs | 3.9/5 mean; 3 blind judges | PNG/PDF/SVG; 8/10 fidelity checks | 37 min to first finished piece | render 5.7 min; peak RAM 2687 MB |
| Kittl | 2.5/5 | 315 min for 10 outputs | 2.4/5 mean; 3 blind judges | PNG/PDF/SVG; 7/10 fidelity checks | 189 min to first finished piece | render 11.4 min; peak RAM 4523 MB |
| VistaCreate | 2.5/5 | 280 min for 10 outputs | 2.3/5 mean; 3 blind judges | PNG/PDF/SVG; 7/10 fidelity checks | 156 min to first finished piece | render 12.3 min; peak RAM 5229 MB |
| RelayThat | 2/5 | 307 min for 10 outputs | 2.1/5 mean; 3 blind judges | PNG/PDF/SVG; 5/10 fidelity checks | 196 min to first finished piece | render 16.3 min; peak RAM 6818 MB |
Want just the shortlist?
Our best-of list ranks every tool in this test, with what each one is best for.
What graphic design software do
Graphic design software lets people create logos, social posts, ads, flyers, illustrations and layouts. The category splits into template-based web editors (Canva, Adobe Express, VistaCreate, Kittl, RelayThat) and professional desktop tools (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Affinity). Most now bundle AI image generation and background removal.
Who uses them: Small business owners and marketers making social content, Freelance designers and illustrators, Print-on-demand and ecommerce sellers, Content creators and agencies, Students and educators.
What to check before you buy
Ease of use vs depth. Template editors suit non-designers; vector, pixel and layout control needs a pro tool such as Affinity or Adobe.
Free plan limits. Free tiers differ: Adobe Express free has 5GB and limited AI, Kittl free is personal use only, Affinity is free for individuals.
AI credits and tokens. Adobe Express uses monthly credits (250 on Premium), Kittl uses tokens that do not roll over, Affinity AI needs Canva premium.
Commercial licence. Kittl caps licences at 500,000 copies below Max; free plans often exclude commercial use.
Export formats and print. Vector, PDF with bleed and PSD or AI import matter for print work; some reviewers miss SVG and bleed PDF in template tools.
How we test graphic design software
The test for this category: Make the same 10-piece social and print set; time, output quality, templates and brand kit.
Each tool completes the same project brief (for example a social post set, a 60-second video edit, a wireframe of a 5-screen app, a 2-minute animation) on the same reference computer.
Each tool is tested on a paid plan, and its review shows the plan, the price and the test dates. The overall score is the average of the five parts on the right, rounded to the nearest half star. See the full method for design, video and audio software tools.
What we measure
- Time to finish the brief
- Output quality, scored blind by 3 judges
- Export options and file quality
- Learning curve: time to first finished piece for a beginner
- Performance on the reference machine and price
The five parts of the score
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free graphic design software?
Affinity is free for individuals; Canva, Adobe Express and VistaCreate have free plans.
Is Affinity really free?
Yes for individuals per affinity.studio; AI features need a Canva premium plan.
What is the easiest design software for beginners?
Roundups most often name Canva and Adobe Express.
Is Adobe Express worth it over Canva?
Express brings Adobe Fonts and Firefly AI; Canva has the larger ecosystem. Both have free plans.
What is a good Photoshop alternative?
Affinity (free) opens PSD files; GIMP is free; Adobe Express Firefly Pro bundles Photoshop on web.
Mia Chen
I've always loved the creative side of technology. I'm particularly interested in user experience and how small design decisions can completely change the way a platform feels.
Make your case
Think we got a review wrong?
If you use a tool we reviewed, or work for the company, email us with what you saw. We'll look at the evidence and update the review if it changes our findings.
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Send us your product, website and the category it fits. We'll test it the same way as every other tool. It's free, and we can't promise a date or a score.